Bridge, Britten and Bax: Cello Sonatas

Approfondimenti

Though their composition spans nearly five decades, there is a tight connection between the three cello sonatas on this Hänssler album. Of course, each of the composers -- Bridge, Britten, and Bax -- was English; Bridge and Britten were teacher and student, respectively. But even beyond these more concrete connections, each had a special knack for writing for the cello. Bridge and Bax were particularly gifted at capturing the instruments lyrical, soulful side. Britten's sonata is certainly not without lyricism, particularly in the mournful Elegia that seems to be a direct extension of the Shostakovich sonata. In their performances, cellist Johannes Moser and pianist Paul Rivinius not only highlight these similarities, but do an especially admirable job of creating a different tone and soundscape for each sonata. The Bridge sonata benefits from an intense, robust sound with a relentless, powerful vibrato. Britten is played with a much leaner, focused sound; little vibrato; and a marked angularity and precision of rhythm. Somewhere in between is the very laid-back, comfortable, and little-performed Bax Legend-Sonata. In all cases, Moser plays with impeccable intonation; fluid bow control; clean, sweeping shifts; and clear articulation. Balance between cello and piano is excellent throughout; Hänssler's sound quality is warm and detailed without being sterile.
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